The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026, highlighting the role apprentices play in sustaining Australia’s automotive industry.
National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide initiative that promotes apprenticeships and traineeships across key industries, with a focus on building a skilled, job-ready workforce.
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For the automotive sector, it underscores the importance of hands-on training, employer engagement and continued industry support.
“Apprentices are the future of our industry”
VACC Chief Executive Officer Peter Jones said the week provided an opportunity to recognise apprentices and those who help them succeed. “Apprentices are the future of our industry and supporting them properly is not optional, it’s essential,” Mr Jones said.
“As the largest single employer of automotive apprentices in the country, VACC sees first-hand what works: strong employer engagement, consistent mentoring and access to high-quality training facilities. When apprentices are supported well, they gain skills that are transferable, future-focused and critical to the long-term strength of our industry.”
Supporting more than 580 apprentices
VACC is currently the largest single employer of automotive apprentices in Australia, supporting more than 580 apprentices working across VACC and TACC member businesses throughout Victoria and Tasmania.
These apprentices are training across a wide range of disciplines, including vehicle servicing and repair, body repair and collision, motorcycles, heavy-duty diesel and agricultural machinery.
The training supports both metropolitan and regional communities and allows for greater mobility of skills across the industry.
Completion rates above the national average
Apprentices employed through VACC are supported by a structured model that includes dedicated field staff who mentor and guide apprentices and host employers from commencement through to completion. This approach has delivered higher-than-average completion outcomes.
While national automotive apprenticeship completion rates sit at around 54 per cent, completion rates for VACC-supported apprentices exceed 70 per cent.
Investment in training infrastructure
VACC has invested in training infrastructure to support modern vehicle technology and evolving industry needs.
This includes the recent purchase of a dedicated Automotive Training Centre in North Melbourne, with training expected to commence following refurbishment in 2026. In Tasmania, VACC continues to work closely with TasTAFE to ensure apprentices have access to modern, fit-for-purpose training facilities in Hobart.
Promoting automotive careers
Beyond formal training, VACC works with secondary schools across Victoria and Tasmania to promote automotive career pathways. Through school engagement and career information sessions, students are introduced to the range of opportunities available through apprenticeships. VACC also acknowledges the role of parents, families and friends in supporting apprentices throughout their training.
Recognising apprentice achievement
Apprentice achievements are recognised through VACC’s annual Automotive Industry Awards, including apprentice graduations and awards for excellence.
Recent recipients include Sean Perry, named 2025 VACC Apprentice of the Year. Executive Manager of Membership and Training Nigel Muller said apprenticeships remain central to the industry’s future.
“Automotive trades are becoming more complex every year, and apprentices need access to the right facilities, qualified trainers and ongoing support to succeed,” Mr Muller said. “Our focus is on helping apprentices not just start their careers, but finish them well.”